Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live Updates: Highlights
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 29, 2026, 15:50:16 IST
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Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live Updates: Highlights

The inauguration of the Ganga Expressway by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today marks a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure development. Stretching 594 km from Meerut to Prayagraj, the expressway is the state’s longest and connects 12 districts across western, central and eastern regions. It is expected to reduce travel time drastically while enhancing connectivity with Delhi-NCR.

For Prayagraj, a prominent religious and cultural hub, the expressway is expected to be transformative. The city hosts major events such as the Maha Kumbh and Magh Mela, which draw massive crowds. Improved road access is likely to increase tourist inflow and encourage road travel, bringing attention to smaller, unexplored destinations along the route and boosting rural tourism.

Nearby regions like Kaushambi and Pratapgarh are also expected to benefit through improved connectivity to markets and tourism circuits. Agricultural products such as amla, vegetables, and grains will reach major cities faster, potentially increasing farmers’ incomes. Industrial development is also expected to gain momentum with clusters planned along the corridor.

The state has authorised private firms to collect tolls, with an estimated Rs 1,800 charge for a one-way journey for four-wheelers, though discounts may be offered initially. Overall, the expressway is set to drive economic growth, improve logistics, and enhance regional connectivity.
12:51 (IST) Apr 29

"The way Ganga, for thousands of years, has been the lifeline for Uttar Pradesh, similarly, this expressway will also become the new lifeline of this state's development."

PM Narendra Modi

12:47 (IST) Apr 29
PM Narendra Modi said that he has been staying close to Ganga Maiya for the past four to five days — in West Bengal, Varanasi and now here — and added that the new expressway will allow people to reach Sangam in Prayagraj and also visit Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi.
12:45 (IST) Apr 29
Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live: PM Narendra Modi begins his address, greets everyone with 'Ganga Maiya ki jai'
Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live: PM Narendra Modi begins his address, greets everyone with 'Ganga Maiya ki jai'
12:41 (IST) Apr 29

“Prime Minister, today, in line with your grand vision, a major milestone related to one of the country’s largest expressways, the Ganga Expressway, is set to be completed through this programme. Revered Maa Ganga, the divine and purifying river, flows alongside this grand project, which aims to touch new heights and give a fresh boost to Uttar Pradesh’s economic expansion. The foundation stone of this expressway was laid by you in December 2021, and today, with your hands, its grand inauguration is taking place. On this occasion, I would like to say that the Ganga Expressway is set to become the backbone of Uttar Pradesh’s economy. By bringing your vision onto the ground, this grand inauguration marks a significant moment. On this sacred land associated with the devotion of Prahlad and the incarnation of Lord Narasimha, I extend my heartfelt welcome and greetings to you.”

UP CM Yogi Adityanath

12:23 (IST) Apr 29
Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live Updates: PM Narendra Modi inaugrates UP's longest corridor
11:58 (IST) Apr 29
Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live Updates: UP Expressways under UPEIDA, NHAI & other agencies

Under UPEIDA

  • Operational: 4 expressways (1030 km)

  • Under construction: 1 expressway (594 km)

  • Under process/proposed: 8 expressways (863 km)

Under NHAI & Other Agencies

  • Operational: 3 expressways

  • Under construction: 4 expressways

Operational Expressways Detailed (UPEIDA)

  1. Agra-Lucknow Expressway: 302 km, 6 Lanes, Cost: Rs14,446 cr

  2. Purvanchal Expressway: 341 km, 6 Lanes, Cost: Rs 23,349.37 cr

  3. Bundelkhand Expressway: 296 km, 4 Lanes, Cost: Rs 14,849.09 cr

  4. Gorakhpur Link Expressway: 91 km, 4 Lanes, Cost: Rs 7,283.28 cr

Other Agencies (Operational)

  • Noida-Greater Noida E-Way (GNIDA): 25 km

  • Delhi-Meerut Expressway (NHAI): 96 km

  • Yamuna E-Way (YEIDA): 165 km

Under Construction (NHAI)

  • Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway: 63 km

  • Ballia Link Expressway: 114 km

  • Ghaziabad-Kanpur Expressway: 380 km

11:07 (IST) Apr 29
Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live: UP to hold 60% of India’s access-controlled network
Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live: UP to hold 60% of India’s access-controlled network
11:02 (IST) Apr 29
Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live: Connectivity & Efficiency
  • Travel time reduced from 11 hrs to 6 hrs.

  • Average speed improved from 50–60 kmph to 100 kmph.

  • Enhanced connectivity across freight corridors and passes.

  • Estimated fuel savings: 30%.
  • 10:57 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live Updates: Strategic Importance
    Largest transport PPP project of its kind.

    Aligned with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, National Infrastructure Pipeline, and Bharatmala Pariyojana.

    Traffic revenue primarily driven by private vehicles.
    10:56 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live: Developers & Execution
    Adani Enterprises Ltd (via Adani Road Transport Ltd): Executed 464 km (80%)

    IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd: Developed 130 km (20%)

    Workforce: Deployed 12,000+ workforce and heavy machinery at peak

  • 10:46 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live Updates: Projected cost Rs 36,230 crore
    Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live Updates: Projected cost Rs 36,230 crore
    09:28 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live Updates: PM Narendra Modi in Varanasi at Kashi Vishwanath temple
    Ganga Expressway Inauguration Live Updates: PM Narendra Modi in Varanasi at Kashi Vishwanath temple

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed darshan and pooja at Shri Kashi Vishawanath temple

    09:15 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway inauguration Live: PM Narendra Modi to arrive in Hardoi shortly
    The inauguration of the Ganga Expressway is scheduled to take place shortly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reach Shyampur village in the Mallawan area of Hardoi soon. The event is set to commence at around 11:15 am
    08:51 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway inauguration Live: Jagdambika Pal hails ‘double-engine govt’, slams Opposition over women’s reservation
    BJP MP Jagdambika Pal says, "Before the double-engine government of PM Modi and CM Yogi came to power in Uttar Pradesh, there was only one expressway in the entire state. Today, there are twelve expressways.Whenever Narendra Modi comes to Uttar Pradesh, he gives a major gift. Recently, when he came to Noida, he laid the foundation stone for a huge semiconductor factory... Today, they gave Varanasi a significant gift. And the way they held such a large conference with women there clearly demonstrates the anger among the women of the country. Rahul Gandhi of the Congress Party, Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, Mamata Didi, Stalin of the DMK, have not only insulted but also betrayed the women of the country.These people exposed it in the Lok Sabha and in the entire country that the opposition parties are against women's reservation."
    08:27 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway inauguration Live Updates: Visuals of the 594-km corridor
    07:47 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway inauguration Live: UP's longest corridor to open
    Prime MinisterNarendra Modiis set to inaugurate the 594-kmGanga Expressway today at Hardoi, marking a major milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure development. The project connects western, central and eastern regions, strengthening statewide connectivity. It is expected to transform mobility, reduce travel barriers and support economic expansion. By linking key districts, the expressway is positioned as a long-term growth driver that will enhance trade, encourage investment and create employment opportunities across multiple sectors in the state.
    07:46 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway inauguration Live Updates: Reduced Travel Time and Connectivity Boost
    The expressway will connectMeeruttoPrayagraj, cutting travel time from 11–12 hours to just 6–7 hours. This major reduction will improve connectivity with Delhi-NCR and streamline movement across 12 districts. Faster travel is expected to benefit both passengers and freight transport, making road travel more efficient. The improved corridor will also encourage a shift towards surface transport, enhancing accessibility and convenience for commuters and businesses operating across regions.
    07:46 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway inauguration Live: Economic Growth Driver
    Officials believe the expressway will act as a strong economic catalyst by attracting industrial investment and boosting logistics networks. Industrial clusters are being planned along the corridor, especially around Prayagraj where land is readily available. These developments are expected to generate employment opportunities and strengthen regional economies. The improved infrastructure will facilitate smoother supply chains and encourage businesses to expand operations, contributing to sustained economic development in Uttar Pradesh.
    07:45 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway inauguration Live: Boost to Religious & Rural Tourism
    Prayagraj, known for its religious importance and events like theMaha KumbhandMagh Mela, is expected to see a surge in tourism. Better connectivity will attract more visitors from across the country and abroad. The expressway will also bring attention to lesser-known tourist spots along the route, encouraging rural tourism. This development is likely to enhance both religious and cultural tourism, strengthening the region’s appeal as a major destination.
    07:45 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway inauguration Live Updates: Benefits for Nearby Districts
    Districts such asKaushambiandPratapgarhare expected to benefit significantly from improved connectivity. Although the expressway does not pass directly through some areas, proximity to Prayagraj will enhance access to tourism circuits. Buddhist sites like Ghositaram Vihara will gain better linkage to international routes. Travellers moving between Varanasi and Delhi will also find it easier to make stopovers, boosting local economies.
    07:45 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway inauguration Live Updates: Agricultural Advantage
    The expressway will improve agricultural logistics by enabling faster transportation of produce such as fruits, vegetables and grains to major markets like Delhi and Meerut. Farmers in regions like Pratapgarh will benefit, particularly with products like amla reaching markets within 6–7 hours. This efficiency is expected to help farmers secure better prices and potentially increase incomes. Improved market access will strengthen agricultural supply chains and support rural livelihoods.
    07:44 (IST) Apr 29
    Ganga Expressway inauguration Live: Toll Charges & Operations
    The industries department has authorised private companies to collect tolls on the expressway, which spans 12 districts. The estimated one-way toll for four-wheelers is around Rs 1,800 for the full 594-km stretch. While base rates are similar to other expressways, operators have flexibility to offer discounts. Initial concessions may be introduced to attract traffic and encourage usage. This toll system is expected to support maintenance and operational efficiency of the corridor.
    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 594-km Ganga Expressway today, a major infrastructure project linking Meerut to Prayagraj. The high-speed corridor connects western, central and eastern Uttar Pradesh, significantly reducing travel time from 11–12 hours to about 6–7 hours. It is expected to boost connectivity, strengthen economic activity, and improve logistics across the state.

    The expressway is projected to drive industrial investment, expand logistics networks, and generate employment opportunities. Industrial clusters are planned along the route, particularly around Prayagraj, where land availability supports future development. The project will also ease the transportation of agricultural produce, allowing farmers to reach major markets such as Delhi and Meerut more quickly and secure better prices.

    Tourism, especially in Prayagraj, is expected to receive a major boost. Known for religious gatherings like the Maha Kumbh and Magh Mela, the city attracts millions of visitors. Improved road connectivity is likely to increase tourist inflow and promote lesser-known destinations along the route, strengthening rural tourism.

    Additionally, toll collection has been authorised across the expressway, with an estimated one-way charge of around Rs 1,800 for four-wheelers. Operators may offer initial discounts to attract users. Overall, the expressway is poised to transform connectivity and economic growth across Uttar Pradesh.